Hit and run accidents can vary in severity from denting an unoccupied parked car to severe or fatal injuries when a motorist who causes an accident resulting in harm to others then unlawfully leaves the crash site. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal under Florida law.
Statistics from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed a hit and run crash happens every minute nationwide, and fatalities are increasing year after year. New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida have the highest rate of fatal hit and run crashes per capita, and 65% of people killed by a motorist who then fled the scene were pedestrians or cyclists.
The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC help people who, through no fault of their own, have unfairly suffered injuries and other related losses caused by negligent drivers unlawfully leaving the scene of an accident. Call us for a free consultation at (844) 730-0233 today to determine your legal options. We are committed to helping our clients pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
You Can Still Receive Compensation After Being Hurt by a Hit and Run Driver
If you are involved in a hit and run car accident where the other driver did not stop, you can still receive compensation for your injuries. Motorists may unlawfully leave the scene of an accident for many reasons. If caught, the penalties are very serious. Here is just a handful, to give you an idea:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not having a valid driving license
- The runaway driver wrongly assumed they did not need to stop
- Being afraid of legal consequences or criminal charges
- Being involved in unlawful activity at the time of the accident
- Road rage
- Attempting to avoid the financial repercussions of an auto accident
- No vehicle insurance
Hit and run accidents make it more challenging to file against the at-fault driver’s insurance or claim for damages in civil court unless the police track down the absent driver. However, you can do a number of things to protect yourself that can help with the physical, emotional, and financial stress that often accompanies hit and run accidents.
After an accident, you should stop even if you feel unharmed; your health is the main priority here. Call emergency services if you or anyone else is hurt, along with the police. Following the other driver is not a good idea. It makes you also responsible as a fleeing driver and could mean you miss the chance to gather crucial evidence from eyewitness accounts.
If you can, when you have stopped your vehicle, write down or take pictures of the driver’s license plate and the make, model, and color of the car, along with anything you can recall about the other motorist. This can help the police to search for the runaway driver. Take pictures of any injuries plus any damage to your vehicle. If there were witnesses, make a record of their names and contact details.
You should also report the accident to your insurance provider. Even though you are a victim of an accident, many insurance companies will hesitate to offer you a fair settlement. It can be beneficial in some cases to consult with an Orlando hit and run accident lawyer who could handle any communications with insurance companies on your behalf to help avoid common mistakes that could harm your claim. Taking all of these steps can significantly strengthen your compensation claim.
Your insurance company will likely help you recover some expenses from the accident. However, it is good advice to purchase uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage as a supplement to your auto insurance policy for coverage in the event of a hit and run accident. Meanwhile, as part of a criminal investigation, the police will be working to identify the guilty party.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Orlando, call (844) 730-0233
How An Orlando Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Damages
If the police can locate the other driver who caused you injuries related to a hit and run accident, we can help you to pursue compensation from their auto insurance or from them directly in a civil lawsuit.
Depending on your circumstances and the nature of your injuries, an Orlando hit and run accident lawyer may help you recover damages for some or all of the following losses:
Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs
Compensatory damages such as medical expenses allow victims to claim costs such as hospital bills, physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses, doctor’s fees, laboratory tests and scans, surgery costs, and prescription medication. A personal injury lawsuit could also enable you to claim any future medical treatments and expenses you may require.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If you are seriously injured and are unable to work while you recover, we can help you calculate the financial losses you incurred from the accident and pursue damages in court. If you cannot return to employment or can no longer do your job because of the injuries you suffered, the law allows you to file a claim to recover damages. The compensation awarded is based on an estimate of what you would likely have earned during your career.
There many other types of benefits and damages you could be entitled to, which will vary depending on your unique circumstances.
If you are unsure how to proceed with a compensation claim after being injured by another motorist who leaves the accident scene, contact the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC. We offer a free initial consultation to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Orlando Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Protect your Rights and Take Action Today
If a hit and run driver hurt you or a loved one, it can be difficult coming to terms with the fact that another person caused you harm and did not check to see if you needed help, or that the guilty party has escaped punishment. The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC understand your frustrations and are ready to help.
When we represent you, we work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and provide legal representation to help secure the compensation you deserve. Call a team member and determine your legal options today at (844) 730-0233.
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